Business
28 October, 2025
Free WiFi service coming to several North West communities
The $2.2 million project will boost connectivity in some of the region's smallest towns.
Free public Wi-Fi is on its way to several local communities, with a North West-based telecommunications company at the heart of the rollout.
The North West Queensland Gigabit Towns Project is providing fixed wireless connectivity, including free public Wi-Fi access, across a large area of North West Queensland, benefiting communities in Richmond, Julia Creek, Karumba, Normanton, and Croydon, as well as surrounding properties and farms.
About 600 households and businesses will be able to access faster and more reliable internet thanks to the project, the federal government says.
Local fixed-wireless specialist Wi-Sky Queensland will build and operate the network, giving the project a distinctly homegrown backbone.
Wi-Sky launched in Richmond several years ago and has since become a quiet success story of the Outback, building towers and delivering faster, lower-latency services to properties that had long been stuck with expensive or unreliable satellite options.
The company’s workforce lives in the same regions they service, meaning they are often installing equipment for neighbours, local graziers and small business owners they know personally.
The project includes free public Wi-Fi access in key town areas, helping keep residents connected and ensuring tourists have phone and data coverage when they need it most.
That’s expected to support everything from healthcare and education to economic opportunities like caravanning and agritourism.
Wi-Sky chief executive William Harrington said the upgrade was about ensuring rural people aren’t left behind.
“Regional Queensland is full of opportunity and innovation. Through the Regional Connectivity Program, Wi-Sky Queensland is helping to build the digital foundations for the future, bringing next-generation connectivity to communities like Richmond, Julia Creek, Croydon, Normanton and Karumba," he said.
“These are vibrant regional centres that deserve world-class communications infrastructure, and this investment ensures they are not left behind as Queensland continues to grow and connect with the world.”
Minister for Communications Anika Wells said "no Australian should be left behind" when it comes to telecommunications.
“Whether that’s tourists in Richmond checking out the Australian Dinosaur Trail or station owners running their business," she said.
“That’s why the Albanese government is investing $2.2 million in this project to help local communities and visitors stay connected, run their businesses and access essential services such as health, education and government services resources.
“It’s fantastic to see these projects up and running across Queensland’s North West – delivering real benefits for residents, businesses and visitors to these communities.”